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GSL – GW33 Preview – Double Trouble

After last weeks stormer, I’m only 40 odd points from a podium position. And more importantly claiming the False9 crown after months of it seemingly being impossible. It’s still a long shot however it keeps me going, especially with the double game weeks being announced. GW34/36/37 all have double fixtures with 37 looking the bumper weekend. Having a wildcard up my sleeve makes it easy to capitalise on all the the games so I’m very excited for the weeks to come. GW33 looks mixed, however quite a few big guns have good fixtures so there’s every chance of points.

In goal, Jordan Pickford comes in at home against West Ham. West Ham have just lost their most potent attacking force for the season and have little to play for, whereas Sunderland are all but relegated but a win here could be the start of something special!! Naa, they’re going down, but Pickford is always good for save points! Alonso and Valencia go head to head in Sundays late kick off. Chelsea v United is usually a cagey affair with 7 of the last 10 games having 2 goals or less. I’m hoping at least one of these two can pick up a clean sheet here. If not they are both good shouts for attacking returns. Baines makes up the final spot with a seemingly plum fixture against Burnley. Burnley still haven’t won a game away from home and Everton blitz teams at Goodison with an aggregate of 19 – 5 in their last 5 home games. I’m not a fan of keeping Baines beyond this GW, but i’d be silly to bin him before this fixture.

Need a Baines clean sheet here as the rest of the defence will be looking at attacking returns. Not expecting much here.Prediction: 12

In the midfield, Tadic entertains City, he’s been a disappointing gamble so far and city are not the team to bring home a huge haul against. Southampton so have a double double in 36/37 but their fixtures are terrible facing City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and United in their next 7… Alli and The Korean Prince welcome Bournemouth to White Hart Lane, there are definitely points here. Hopefully Kane doesn’t get the majority. I’m sure Son’s huge haul last week was a one off, however he has surely done enough to earn a starting berth this weekend? Alli is just on fire, he is as close to essential as it gets in FPL this season. He could be a shout for the armband however I’m not completely sold on him in the 4231. Big Wilf goes up against Shakespeare’s Leicester, who will surely be knackered after their mid week exploits. Who better to tear them apart than Zaha, pace, power, athleticism, and now finally some end product. I’m guessing most teams will look to bring him in ahead of the doubles in 34 so i doubt he’ll be a differential anymore but he’ll still be in the points. Finally the big frustration of recent weeks, Alexis Sanchez. He’s blanked in 3 consecutive games for the first time this season, and looks a bit jaded on the left wing. Why Wenger won’t play him up top is beyond me, the numbers speak for themselves.. Boro away could be tight game but an early goal will surely open the floodgates for a rampant Arsenal win. I’m banking on Sanchez being the key perpatrator.

Upfront Lukaku has another golden chance to strengthen his grip on the golden boot. Burnley at home is exactly the sort of prey that Lukaku feasts upon. Burnley are a tight outfit but Everton at home are a different beast and I see a comfortable win here. Vardy is a bit of a concern this week, he might be rested for the champs league so I’m not certain of a start. He will also be knackered from midweek and is up against the worlds most effective defender in Mamadou Sakho. I don’t see any returns here and will be looking at getting rid in the coming weeks but my plans require keeping him for an extra week. Hopefully he’ll prove me wrong and bundle in a few goals.

I’m still toying with the idea of pulling the trigger on my Vardy replacement, so could be a new name on the starting line up come Saturday but I’m keeping my cards close to my chest. Lukaku should bring home points though, at least enough to cover of the Ibra‘s and Kane‘s of this world.Prediction: 10

Captain:

Lukaku is the obvious choice, is he the right choice? I’m trailing in the league and I’m sure he’ll be given the armband by the majority of managers. Could be tempted by Alli/Son or even Sanchez.. Gonna see what my gut says on Saturday morning..

Overall a conservative 50 points. My midfield have some prime fixtures so I’m backing them to bring home the majority of the points.